3.9 engine. spark plug wires inadvertantly got removed from distributer cap and not sure how they go back on.

For this you have to determine when the #1 cylinder is at TDC (Top Dead Center) - when it would be firing. Take the distributor cap off and look at the rotor - it would be pointing at the #1 spark plug wire on the distributor. The wires would be connected it order around the distributor cap starting at 1. The sequence is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 in a clockwise fashion.

It can be faulty or dirty spark plug itselfd.Also for reference get the fuel level checked.Is the fuel tank is empty or near to empty.
Try cleaning the spark plugs and then see if that is helpin.On some cases the black carbon layer gets collected on the spark plugs and that causes the problem,so cleaning the plugs help.But if its not helping,then spark plug has to be replaced.Spark plugs get power from ignition coil to ignite sparks.If ignitioncoils are faulty then also there will no spark.--------------

To troubleshot and confirm the issue,i suggest you to go through the help links provided below,check the procedure and it will help you to confirm the issue in your case.
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Click the link below:------

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http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-crankshas-spark-but-will-not-start.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/spark-plug-firing-order-for-car.html

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How to Replace Spark Plugs?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-spark-plugs.html

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How to Perform a Basic Engine Tune Up-Spark Plug and Wire Change

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-perform-basic-engine-tune-up_01.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-does-spark-plug-wires-go-on.html

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http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/ford-plug-wires-not-coming-out.html

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Firing Order for 1991 Lexus ES 250?

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Firing order for 1992 Chevrolet 5.0 engine?

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How to identify number one spark plug on the distributor cap?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-identify-number-one-spark-plug.html

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How to remove rear spark plugs on 1991 Buick Regal?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-rear-spark-plugs-on-1991.html

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These details will help.

Thanks.

I do not have a breakdown diagram for a distributor, but just the firing orders and description of ignition system for the Dodge Colt and related models (based on Chilton manuals) if that's what you're looking for: FIRING ORDERS Fig. 1: 1990 1.8L SOHC Engines Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Rotation: clockwise

Fig. 2: 1.6L DOHC Engine Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Distributorless Ignition

Fig. 3: 2.0L Engine Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Rotation: clockwise

Fig. 4: 1.5L Engine Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Rotation: counterclockwise

Fig. 5: 1993 1.8L Engine Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Rotation: counterclockwise

Fig. 6: 2.4L Engine Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Rotation: clockwise

To avoid confusion, replace spark plug wires one at a time. --- Distributor REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Although the distributor can be removed from the engine no matter which cylinder is about to fire, it is a good idea to have number one cylinder at TDC before distributor removal. 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.4L SOHC Engines

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect and tag the spark plug wires from the distributor cap.
3. Disconnect the distributor harness connector.
   Fig. 1: Ignition system for the 2.0L engine
   
   Fig. 2: Ignition system for the 1.5L engine
   
   Fig. 3: Ignition system for the 1992-93 1.8L engine
   
   Fig. 4: Ignition system for the 2.4L engine
   
   
4. Loosen the distributor retaining bolt and remove the distributor from the engine. To install:
   
5. Rotate the engine until No. 1 cylinder is at TDC on its compression stroke. NOTE: Be careful not to turn it to the No. 4 cylinder TDC on its compression stroke by mistake.
   
6. Align the distributor housing and gear mating marks.
   Fig. 5: Ignition system for the 1990 1.8L engine
   
   Fig. 6: Distributor installation for the 1990 1.8L engine
   
   Fig. 7: Distributor installation for the 1992-93 1.8L engine
   
   
7. Install the distributor into the engine, while aligning the fine cut (groove or projection) on the distributor flange with the center of the distributor mounting stud.
8. Install and tighten the distributor retaining bolt.
9. Reconnect the distributor harness connector.
   Fig. 8: Distributor installation for the 2.4L engine
   
   Fig. 9: Distributor installation for the 1.5L engine
   
   Fig. 10: Distributor installation for the 2.0L engine
   
   
10. Install the distributor cap and spark plug wires.
11. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

For the 1991 Dodge Dakota 318 cubic inch = 5.2L V8

Firing Order:
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Cylinders:
..........(back)...........
|...8...|..........|...7...|
|...6...|..........|...5...|
|...4...|..........|...3...|
|...2...|..........|...1...|
..........(front)

Distributor:
............3
....4..............6...
.......................(+)-screw: rounded-end of Cap
8......................5
(+)-screw: square end of Cap
.....1...............7
..............2
.........(front)

Rotation: Clockwise

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

Visit this website and select the correct make, model, and engine size.

http://autorepair.about.com/library/firing_orders/bl-dodge-firing-84.htm

Let me know if you need any further assistance.

carsandcomps,

Guru, Premium Expert @Fixya.com

the firing order is usually stamped on the engine itself. Take off the distributer cap and turn the ignition to see which direction the rotor is turning.

The distributer cap has the number 1 plug marked . After finding the firing order, place the wires 1 where the cap is marked then in the direction the rotor is turning (ie:clockwise or couterclockwise). Keep looking . Most every motor I have seen has the firing order maked right on the engine.Or the owners manual ?

2.4L Engine
Firing order: 1-3-4-2
Distributorless Ignition System


3.0L Engine

Firing order: 1-2-3-4-5-6


3.3L & 3.8L Engines

Firing order: 1-2-3-4-5-6
Distributorless Ignition System

here is the diagram for your engine...
click here


Follow the locations on the cap illustration..

3.9L V6 Engine. Engine Firing Order: 1-6-5-4-3-2. Distributor Rotation: Clockwise.............did i guess the right motor? let me know/rate me